Let the holiday season begin

Published: Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 9, 2012 at 2:27 p.m.

Claudia Holt (Oates) was born in Alamance County in 1872. She married Robert Oates Jr. on Dec. 9, 1891.

The couple moved to Hendersonville when son William, suffering from asthma, was young.

A news article appeared in the Times-News on the occasion of Mrs. Oates' 90th birthday — Jan. 4, 1962: "Mrs. Oates," according to the article, "came from a prominent North Carolina family who early resided at Mountain Lodge, the historic Flat Rock home of Mrs. Susan Baring.

"Later the family removed to another home at Flat Rock, a house which had once been occupied by the daughters of the French Count Joseph deChoiseul and used for their exclusive private school for young ladies."

Mrs. Oates was a favorite of her uncle, Thomas Michael Holt, and during his term as governor of North Carolina, her son was christened at the Governor's Mansion.

Robert Oates was known as "the man who brought the lights to Hendersonville," as he established the first electric power plant in Hendersonville. Mr. Oates was president of the Home Electric Company, which built a steam-generating plant at Seventh Avenue and Main Street. The plant brought electricity (and "The Great White Way") to Main Street in 1903.

Mrs. Oates would invite children to a special event each Christmas. At the event for children and parents, Mrs. Oates would light a big Christmas tree, tell stories of Christmases past and present, and distribute treats for the children.

The first Christmas party was held in the old Town Hall and Opera House, once located on the east side of Main Street between 4th and 5th avenues. After that building was torn down (circa 1925), the event moved to what we now know as the Historic Courthouse. At first the treats were usually apples and oranges, but, later, included small toys and other favors.

Lew Holloway, Main Street director, has asked Mary Louise Barber to take part in the Historic Downtown Hendersonville Tree Lighting — set for 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving.

Mary Louise, a licensed clinical social worker, is the daughter of Jodie and Mary Barber, who were major players in the early development of downtown Hendersonville. The Barber family, associated with the Baker-Barber historic photograph collection, goes back to 1884.

Mary Louise, in the guise of Claudia Oates, will be the one to call for the lighting of the large spruce trees that stand on the Historic Courthouse grounds. The annual event marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in Henderson County and brings Santa to Main Street.

Mrs. Faye Hyder Davis (Mrs. Roy E.) remembers attending a Christmas party given by Mrs. Oates when Mrs. Davis was a young girl.

Mrs. Davis, who in 2006 gave her age as "past 75," wasn't sure of the year but thinks it was in the late 1920s. Her father, Belvin Hyder, ran a grocery store on Seventh Avenue. Mrs. Davis worked for 32 years in the office of Dr. Richard Porter. Her late husband, Roy Davis, worked with GE Lighting Systems.

Mrs. Davis later wrote a poem, "Angel in Disguise," in honor of Mrs. Oates. The verse, originally published in the Times-News in 1950, concludes:

"I just want to say ‘God bless you' for the thrills you gave to others. This comes from the heart of a little girl, who visited your tree with her mother."

"Angel in Disguise," as portrayed by Mary Louise Barber, is based on that poem and the contributions of Mrs. Oates to the community.

Mrs. Oates was one of a group of civic-minded women who established the first Woman's Club in Hendersonville in 1915. She remained honorary president until her death on Dec. 14, 1965.

A tradition, which began in the early decades of the 20th century, is being renewed on Friday, Nov. 23, in front of the Historic Courthouse.

Bring the children and experience a party given by the "Angel in Disguise," Claudia Holt Oates.

Mary Louise Barber will portray the "special lady." There will be music and celebration. Santa will make his arrival down Main Street — and the holiday season will begin.

<p>Claudia Holt (Oates) was born in Alamance County in 1872. She married Robert Oates Jr. on Dec. 9, 1891.</p><p>The couple moved to Hendersonville when son William, suffering from asthma, was young.</p><p>A news article appeared in the Times-News on the occasion of Mrs. Oates' 90th birthday — Jan. 4, 1962: "Mrs. Oates," according to the article, "came from a prominent North Carolina family who early resided at Mountain Lodge, the historic Flat Rock home of Mrs. Susan Baring. </p><p>"Later the family removed to another home at Flat Rock, a house which had once been occupied by the daughters of the French Count Joseph deChoiseul and used for their exclusive private school for young ladies."</p><p>Mrs. Oates was a favorite of her uncle, Thomas Michael Holt, and during his term as governor of North Carolina, her son was christened at the Governor's Mansion.</p><p>Robert Oates was known as "the man who brought the lights to Hendersonville," as he established the first electric power plant in Hendersonville. Mr. Oates was president of the Home Electric Company, which built a steam-generating plant at Seventh Avenue and Main Street. The plant brought electricity (and "The Great White Way") to Main Street in 1903.</p><p>Mrs. Oates would invite children to a special event each Christmas. At the event for children and parents, Mrs. Oates would light a big Christmas tree, tell stories of Christmases past and present, and distribute treats for the children.</p><p>The first Christmas party was held in the old Town Hall and Opera House, once located on the east side of Main Street between 4th and 5th avenues. After that building was torn down (circa 1925), the event moved to what we now know as the Historic Courthouse. At first the treats were usually apples and oranges, but, later, included small toys and other favors. </p><p>Lew Holloway, Main Street director, has asked Mary Louise Barber to take part in the Historic Downtown Hendersonville Tree Lighting — set for 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving. </p><p>Mary Louise, a licensed clinical social worker, is the daughter of Jodie and Mary Barber, who were major players in the early development of downtown Hendersonville. The Barber family, associated with the Baker-Barber historic photograph collection, goes back to 1884.</p><p>Mary Louise, in the guise of Claudia Oates, will be the one to call for the lighting of the large spruce trees that stand on the Historic Courthouse grounds. The annual event marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in Henderson County and brings Santa to Main Street.</p><p>Mrs. Faye Hyder Davis (Mrs. Roy E.) remembers attending a Christmas party given by Mrs. Oates when Mrs. Davis was a young girl. </p><p>Mrs. Davis, who in 2006 gave her age as "past 75," wasn't sure of the year but thinks it was in the late 1920s. Her father, Belvin Hyder, ran a grocery store on Seventh Avenue. Mrs. Davis worked for 32 years in the office of Dr. Richard Porter. Her late husband, Roy Davis, worked with GE Lighting Systems.</p><p>Mrs. Davis later wrote a poem, "Angel in Disguise," in honor of Mrs. Oates. The verse, originally published in the Times-News in 1950, concludes: </p><p>"I just want to say 'God bless you' for the thrills you gave to others. This comes from the heart of a little girl, who visited your tree with her mother."</p><p>"Angel in Disguise," as portrayed by Mary Louise Barber, is based on that poem and the contributions of Mrs. Oates to the community.</p><p>Mrs. Oates was one of a group of civic-minded women who established the first Woman's Club in Hendersonville in 1915. She remained honorary president until her death on Dec. 14, 1965. </p><p>A tradition, which began in the early decades of the 20th century, is being renewed on Friday, Nov. 23, in front of the Historic Courthouse. </p><p>Bring the children and experience a party given by the "Angel in Disguise," Claudia Holt Oates. </p><p>Mary Louise Barber will portray the "special lady." There will be music and celebration. Santa will make his arrival down Main Street — and the holiday season will begin.</p>